📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
The project Jaguar de Madera (the Wooden Jaguar) is an educational center of ecotechnologies
established in 2007 in order to promote the bio-construction, permaculture, carpentry
and cultural exchange.
After a process of rescue and cleanup of a vacant lot and the support and collaboration of other
organizations, it was carried out the rehabilitation and construction of what would become a training
center for use and application of various alternative technologies for recycling materials and natural
resources. The mission of Jaguar de Madera is to aim the use of efficient natural resources, the
sustainable self-sufficiency and improvement of life quality with a positive impact in the environment.
Some of the bio-construction techniques applied are; superblock, construction with bottle, cob and
adobe. It also develops organic agricultural projects and renewable energies such as bicimaquinas
(bike-machines), solar panels and wood stove. Likewise, members of the center, follow the alternative
philosophy of energetic Kung Fu, with the slogan : Learn to fight for not to fight. The warrior s battles are
with himself . So this way they give a spiritual sense to their work (optional practice for volunteers).
💼 What the programme involves
Volunteers will be able to learn and practice different techniques of bio-construction, using low
cost local recycled materials and natural resources. The tasks will depend on climate conditions and
needs of the center, but hard physical work as to be considered, each workcamp will have as
principal aim to achieve the following activities according to the next calendar.
*March; Making of walls and mud terraces.
🏠 Accommodation on site
Accommodation will depend on the workcamp location, it can be in San
Cristobal de las Casas city or in the eco-town Jaguar de Madera which still in construction, located in
Rancheria San Jose Buena Vista around 1 hour away from San Cristobal s center. Volunteers will sleep
ins specific places for their relaxation in tents ( it is required that each volunteer brings its own sleeping
bag , tent and yoga mat), actually there are cabins in construction, so, some of them are for hosting
volunteers, but sometimes there is not enough room. There are no hot water showers, however water
can be boiled and use buckets to get a shower. The kitchen is very basic and ecological so wood
stove must be used and all volunteers will participate cooking. Workcamps include 3 meals a day is
standard quantities (300grams portion approximately), Extra food portions have to be covered by the
volunteer. Any special diet requirement has to be informed by the volunteer before the beginning of
the project.
📍 About the location
This project will take place in Los Altos del Estado de Chiapas, in southwest of Mexico, in
Rancheria San Jose Buena Vista, close to the small and charming city of San Cristobal de las Casas,
which has maintained its colonial architecture and its Mexican flavor, while welcomes a mix of
indigenous, national and international cultures. This is a strategic starting point for tourist attractions like
parks, lakes, Mayan archeological sites, mangroves, waterfalls and beaches. For more information visit:
www.vivesancristobal.com www.visitmexico.com/en/san-cristobal-de-las-casas
ℹ️ Additional information
2800 MXN Extra Fee